Civic Engagement

Coping with the Crisis: The informal economy in the Great Recession

Presenter Sasha Breger will address economic alternatives when jobs and investment opportunities disappear from the formal economy. Please register.

Higher Education in Douglas County: An economic and market assessment

Douglas County Libraries recently began the community reference project to address questions that may be vital to the long-term health of our communities. The first issue they tackled was that of the need for and potential impact of higher education in Douglas County.

Staff librarians conducted surveys, interviews, and other research, and compiled their findings into a focused response to the issue. They discovered that:

Douglas County Libraries just got a little brighter, and a little greener! Through a donation from the Sunflower Corporation, they installed a Sundolier™ daylight system for no cost at the Philip S. Miller Library. Using solar power and a battery, the Sundolier™ will actually follow the sun, tracking its brightest angle, and disburse the natural light through the main room of the library. This should help reduce electric light and cooling demands, and related emissions.

In coordination with the American Association of Libraries (ALA), Douglas County Libraries is reaching out to local veterans and their families to help them understand new educational benefits available under the post-9/11 GI Bill which took effect August 1, 2009.